Chicago Southland Makerfest Planned In Mokena

MOKENA, IL — The Chicago Southland Makerfest will be held at the Local 597 Pipefitters Training Center, 10850 W. 187th St., on March 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Mokena. Spacelab, the nonprofit which hosts Makerfest, said this is their community give-back event. Community groups, nonprofits, educational spaces and others are invited to show off what they make and also lead hands-on experiences for kids of all ages.

Exhibitors include: Chibots, Rebel Legion Nar Shaddaa Base/R2 Builders, MakerLab at Joliet Junior College, Build-a-Blinkie, Hamfesters Radio Club, Mokena Library, LearnByMaking, Bricks & Minifigs of Crest Hill, Frankfort Public Library, Schillings, Ozinga, Spacelab and more.

According to event organizers, each exhibitor brings projects or hands-on displays to share with attendees. Schillings donates wood for kids to build their own toolboxes. Build-a-Blinkie is a nonprofit that runs 'learn to solder' stations. Several other exhibitors will also have displays.

For more information on the fest, visit the event website. Spacelab's missing is "community engagement in making and maker-centered learning." Spacelab is run by Jay and Sarah Margalus.